Fiery XF 7.1

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Add more printers

Your license determines which printers are available for selection in the software.

Before you begin: Download media profiles for the printers you want to add.

Each printer must have its own unique connection information. For example, two printers of the same model must have their own IP address, or save print files to a separate export folder.

  1. In Server Manager: On the sidebar, click Printers, and click the Add (+) button.

    The New Printer dialog box opens.

  2. Select a printer manufacturer.
  3. Select a printer type. If available, it is recommended that you always select a printer type with FAST DRIVE in its name. For more information, see FAST DRIVE.
  4. Type a name for your printer (optional).

    This is the name that is displayed in the software. By default, Command WorkStation displays the printer type. You can overwrite the default name.

  5. Add a description (optional).

    For example, you can enter the printer location, or the type of media inserted in the printer.

  6. Click Next.
  7. Configure the printer connection. Do one of the following:

    The printer must be switched on. Otherwise it cannot be detected.

  8. Click Finish.
Now watch the video here.
Parent topic: Configuring Command WorkStation
Related topics:
Download and install media profiles
Enable bidirectional communication

FAST DRIVE

Some printer models support FAST DRIVE. FAST DRIVE accelerates the job processing speed by using the GPU (graphics processing unit) instead of the CPU (central processing unit). It is available on some later versions of Fiery proServer Premium and requires a special license.

Command WorkStation provides both FAST DRIVE and non-FAST DRIVE printer drivers. If available, it is recommended that you always select a printer type with FAST DRIVE in its name. The older printer drivers are available to ensure compatibility and color consistency with calibration files created in earlier versions of Command WorkStation.

Command WorkStation reverts automatically to FAST RIP if:
  • You do not have an appropriate license
  • You select a calibration file that was created in Fiery XF 6.4 or earlier. FAST DRIVE is supported only for calibration files that were created in Fiery XF 6.5 or later.

In Job Editor, the Source File Information panel of the File tab shows you whether your job has been processed using FAST DRIVE or FAST RIP.

Configure a network printer

You can connect to a printer through its IP address.

  1. Under Connection type, select Print via IP network, and type the printer’s IP address.
  2. Select the type of TCP/IP protocol that your printer uses for data transfer.

    Most printers support the RAW protocol and print to port 9100. The LPR protocol is normally reserved for Unix systems or print servers with multiple interfaces. In most cases, you can leave the box blank. Refer to your printer manual or ask your system administrator if you are unsure.

    Note: EFI VUTEk printers communicate through port 8013.

Configure a printer connected through USB

You can print to a local printer that is connected to the server computer through USB.

  1. Under Connection type, select Print via port.
  2. Under Port, select the port.

Configure for print-to-file output

You can define a naming format and select an export folder in which to save print files for EFI wide-format printers.

Print files from EFI VUTEk printers are saved in RTL and GIF format to the specified Export folder. The GIF files are used to display a preview of the job on the VUTEk User Interface. You can open GIF files in any conventional graphics program.

Print files from EFI Matan and EFI Reggiani printers are saved as separated TIFFs to the specified Export folder. If you select an Export folder that resides in the network, you must type access rights to the folder.

  1. Under Connection type, select File output.
  2. Define the export path (optional).

    Use the default export path, or click Choose and browse to a different folder.

  3. Select a naming format for the print files.

    The default naming format is job order_job name_job ID_tile number_page number_Date. You can define a custom naming format that may also contain custom text, and any of the following variables:

    Variable Description
    %count Counter
    %jobid Job ID
    %t Tile number
    %p Page number
    %out Printer
    %cm Color mode
    %job Job name/nesting name
    %res Resolution
    %work Workflow
    %date Date
    %order Job order
    Note: File names are easier to read if you add a separator, such as an underline or a hyphen, between two variables.